May 9, 2008
Oakland Raider in the Hall of Fame campaign
There are numerous Raiders who have had Hall of Fame worthy careers who have not yet gotten the call from Canton they so richly deserve. Neither Rob, nor I have a vote in the Hall of Fame voting process, but we have decided to lead a campaign to right the wrong to one of these great Raiders. We need your help to accomplish this goal.
Starting tonight we have created a poll to help us decide which Raider great we are going to unify our efforts behind. Take a moment and vote for the one who you feel most deserves our support. If you don't like one of the five included, there is an option to add an option. Please note that it takes five years from the date of retirement for a player to be eligible for the Hall of Fame.
Once we close this poll and decide who we are going to support, we will be enlisting your aid to get the word out. We will have a detailed profile of the career of that player, as well as how their stats and achievements compare to others in their era who have already gotten the call.
Lets get rolling, so the Hall of Fame will once again be painted Silver and Black when the class of 09 is announced prior to the Super Bowl!
Discussion
42 Comments on "Oakland Raider in the Hall of Fame campaign"
#1
Posted by Dan, May 9, 2008 12:04 AM
Ray Guy is the greatest punter ever to play, and it seems we all agree on that FACT! Dave Dolby was a very good center in a time when DLine players were at their meanist and played extremely dirty, but the man was happy sitting next to big Al. Tom Flores was not a very outspoken man, so I think that most of the voters think that Al was the coach behind the scenes, not that they had similiar ideas and the same philosphy. Stabler is the one guy with the game on the line you wanted with the ball, throwing to Casper, but as it has been said the numbers don't jive and as for QB's numbers mean everything. Tatum(hitting), Hayes(Don't throw his side), and Branch(down the field changed the way the opposing team played the game more than Ronnie Lott, Dieon Sanders, and Randy Moss ever did. That alone should get them in the Hall, and it seems that people forget that before they took away STICK'EM, Lester the Molester had plenty of Picks, including a record breaking season. And with no offence to Darrell Stingly's Family the very reason I became a Raider Fan is the hit that Jack, THE ASSASIN, Tatum delivered to the Patriot receiver will forever be etched in my mind. Receivers would not come across the middle, due to the intimidation factor, and is the reason for the term "Alligator Arms". Lester Hayes may not have been the first lock down corner(Willie Brown), but learned from him, and the term came about Lester.
#2
Posted by Dan, May 9, 2008 12:07 AM
I apoligize for my grammer and typing errors, but this era made the Raiders, and on that note most of us Fans.
#3
Posted by ralph, May 9, 2008 12:22 AM
yeah sorry for the long run on paragraph sentence. I was really mad that some of the raiders wern,t in the hall, when i'm mad and right all my grammer skills go away though that was funny what you said L Dizzle.
Raider Nation For Life
#4
Posted by Raider Card Addict, May 9, 2008 12:54 AM
Ray guy.....dang, how many years, do you have to be a finalist, before they just move you in? Ray was the prototype for modern Punting in the NFL....you can try to make the argument for other punters, but he was the first, alpha pick.....specialized to do what he does best, not a rehashed QB, or a part time player.
#5
Posted by Spencer Mills, May 9, 2008 2:04 AM
Well,
I vote for Tom Flores.........
Viva Los Raiders!!
OakFoSho
#6
Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Oakland Raider in the Hall of Fame campaign | The RaiderCast, May 9, 2008 3:22 AM
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
#7
Posted by Dan, May 9, 2008 7:26 AM
Jack Tatum is my vote, probably the most feared hitter of his and possibly anytime. I met Tatum when he was in his mid-late forties and the guy still looked like he could play. His attitude in our new safties(Wilson, Huff) could change our defense on its own.
#8
Posted by raiderfanindonketcountry, May 9, 2008 8:48 AM
They all deserve to be there but the Snake is my vote
#9
Posted by Rob Calonge, May 9, 2008 10:05 AM
I agree, they are all worthy but I'm putting in for Lester Hayes. Never before or since has anyone covered his man better. Haynes got all the interceptions he did because nobody threw to Hayes' side. Not taking anything away from Haynes, but it's a fact that the corner making the picks isn't always the best corner, just the best option for the opposing QB's.
#10
Posted by RedDog, May 9, 2008 10:31 AM
I agree 100% with what you are trying to achieve. For years I have loudly objected to the exclusion of each of these Raider Greats; in particular, when one compares Clifford Branches #'s, to the likes of Paul Warfield, Swan, and not to mention Stallworth, it makes his exclusion to the HOF a travesty.
A case should be made for each of these greats, but sadly to say, when looking at the "numbers", the case for "Snake" is probably the weakest of all. Setting aside my great love for the way he played the game, when compard to the other quarterbacks of that era, Snake just does not have it.
The same cannot be said for the other greats. Raymond Guy -- end of discussion. There is no comparison before or after. Coach Flores - 2 rings baby. Dave Dalby/Clifford Branch - 3 rings baby. I could go on and on, but any Raider fan knows that until Mr. Davis passes on, the voters will continue to punish the innocent. Coach Maddens exclusion for all of those years is proof enough. The conspiracy lives!!!!
#11
Posted by Junior, May 9, 2008 10:32 AM
A no brainer, Ray Guy should be the first punter inducted into the Hall. All could be worthy of induction, but Guy is without a doubt the best punter in NFL history. Why not put in the effort to ensure the Raiders are a groundbreaker in that category too.
#12
Posted by LDizzle, May 9, 2008 11:08 AM
As Red Dog pointed out, Calvin Branch has comparable numbers to many current Hall of Famers. Usually the only reason a guy with those numbers wouldn't get in is no rings. But he has 3 rings. Calvin Branch has the stats and the rings. He gets my vote. Although Guy, Tatum, and Hayes deserve it too for sure.
#13
Posted by LDizzle, May 9, 2008 11:28 AM
Does everyone realize that Fred Biletnikoff is the only wide reciever to play primarily for the Raiders and be in the HOF? James Lofton only played for the Raiders for 2 seasons and Tim Brown is a shoe in but I think Cliff Branch should have been in long ago. But I am all for whomever we decide to support. Any of the guys on this list deserve to be in.
OOPS I just realized I called him Calvin Branch (Cliff's son and also former Raider) in that last post. Honest mistake. I didn't even realize I did it until just now.
#15
Posted by ralph, May 9, 2008 11:42 AM
i voted for flores but all the players deserve the HOF but there not getting in th HOF because ther raiders but for me i personally think jim plunket should get in the HOF because he has the story that the nfl is looking for heisman trophy winner first round pick for the patriots then becomes a bust (Due to an inexperienced young offensive line) then traded and looks he would be the biggest bust of his era then he gets a second chance and Takes The RAIDERS!!! to two superbowls and wins both and becomes mvp for one and he led the very first wild card team in nfl history to go to the superbowl and win, and then he was part of a team that is ranked in the top ten of greatest teams of all time the 1983 raiders but we should get ray guy, flores , plunket,stabler, and hayes as are main priorities. and remember we can get more than one player to the HOF in one draft class look at this years draft class but i guess for the nfl one raider in the HOF is one to many
#16
Posted by LDizzle, May 9, 2008 11:48 AM
Thanks Gwen but you might want to read the post just before yours before you correct the mistake I already corrected. Thanks for playing.
#17
Posted by Adrian, May 9, 2008 11:48 AM
All these players deserve it they have comparable numbers to Hall of Famers in their position. Jack Tatum cause havoc in the backfield, I feel he set the expectation of the way a safety should play. Ken Stabler has almost identical numbers to Joe Namath(Hall of Famer) . Ray Guy what can I say except his only the best punter of all time and Cliff Branch, RedDog pointed everything out. It is sad, actually it is a crime these plyers are not in.
#18
Posted by LDizzle, May 9, 2008 11:52 AM
Ralph I ran out of breath reading your comment and I wasn't even reading out loud. That is one hell of a run-on sentence there buddy. It is a Paragraph with one period and it isn't even at the end.
#19
Posted by LDizzle, May 9, 2008 11:57 AM
It is kind of a shame that Dave Dalby is getting no votes. I suppose it is hard to vote on a lineman because he has little stats to prove his worth. 3 rings is a pretty nice stat though.
#20
Posted by Patrick Patterson, May 9, 2008 1:21 PM
I agree with you guys that a whole class could be filled with deserving Raiders. The idea is to create a loud united voice for one, then repeat until they all get in.
#21
Posted by OregonRaider, May 9, 2008 1:26 PM
My vote is Cliff Branch. Three rings at his position is very rare. All these guys are good. Tatum is out of the question because of the guy that he paralized. Besides, ever read his books? Great read but he says in them multiple times that he would turn down the HOF if invited. He hated the NFL estabolishment especially Pete Rozelle.
#22
Posted by OregonRaider, May 9, 2008 1:30 PM
One more thing about Cliff, he must be broke or paying off a couple of ex wives, he was at games last year and charging almost double what other players were for an autographed picture. Very hard nosed about the money. Doesn't matter though he was awesome and still has the best chance of getting in.
#23
Posted by azraider37, May 9, 2008 1:55 PM
This is really tough. They all do deserve it. Lester is probably my favorite of the bunch (hence the 37 in my name). But my vote has to go to the Snake. When Namath got in so many years ago, it was just a matter of time before Stabler got in. Look at the numbers, it is ridiculous! The both have one ring and Snake has a way better overall record. Namath was a pick machine and was always hurt. I could make a case for all the players listed, but since we only get one vote, I'm going with Snake and hopefully all will get their shot in the comming years.
#24
Posted by TN_Raider, May 9, 2008 5:12 PM
The Hall of Fame will continue to be the Hall of Shame until Kenny Stabler gets his call. Snake was among the three best QBs of the 70s along with Bradshaw and Staubach. He was a key performer in some of the greatest games in NFL history. He is Raider legend. Sea of hands, holly roller, ghost to the post, how many games did Stabler win in the last two minutes? The autumn wind was a Raider in the 70s and the leader of that band of merry men was Kenny "the snake" Stabler. Greatest QB in Raider history! The day the class of 2008 was announced for the HOF. I wrote a letter to the HOF nominating Ken Stabler for election for the class of 2009. I will be at the HOF the day Snake is inducted. I hope to see you there next year. Snake deserves to be there!
#25
Posted by Junior, May 9, 2008 7:33 PM
LDizzle,
Since you seem so intent on pointing out the mistakes that others make, I figured I would point out one of yours. Calvin Branch is NOT the son of Cliff Branch. I attended Colorado State University with Calvin, and he is related (cousin) to Cliff, but not his son. I'm glad you caught your mistake but you don't need to be an ass to people because they pointed yours out. Everyone makes mistakes, lighten up.
#26
Posted by Bill, May 9, 2008 10:37 PM
I meet Cliff Branch about 6 years ago. I was with my son and he was signing autographs. He did not charge anything and even put his superbowl ring on two of my son's fingers! He then asked my son what position he played. My son replied QB. The Cliff said that if he ever played QB for the Raiders he would come and see him play. My son still talks about this all the time and has gone on to be a pretty good QB (youth football). I thank Cliff for making such an impresion on my son. And hope some day he will have to honor his deal.
#27
Posted by Bill, May 9, 2008 10:39 PM
LDizzle,
Sorry, in my post above it was supposed to be met not meet. Please don't call me out on it. LOL
#28
Posted by LDizzle, May 9, 2008 11:35 PM
Bill stop trying to be clever. I was the one who was "called out" for saying Calvin instead of Cliff. And now Junior is "being an ass" because I simply ask that if someone wants to jump on me for a mistake, they should at least make sure I didn't correct myself first. On that note Junior, the Calvin to Cliff relationship is duely noted. It is flattering though that you guys are paying so close of attention.
#30
Posted by RedDog, May 10, 2008 5:06 AM
Alright, enough is enough -- "Let's keep our eyes on the bouncing ball." In this instance the bouncing ball is the conspiracy which the HOF voters have against the Raiders greats of old.
Everyone makes mistakes, so enough about Cliff vs. Calvin, and reposting to CYA on grammatical errors. If we as loyal members of a Raider Nation cannot accept the faults of others within, then get the hell out.
#31
Posted by RaiderFan..., May 10, 2008 5:51 AM
Well, I'm gonna tell it like it is.......
I know...along with everyone else that knows anything about football...with the exception of the HOF Committee, that is...that every one of those names should have already been in the HOF. they have better stats than some of the ones that have been chosen before them. Two of these players even had phrases made for them...such as, Ken Stabler...the 2 minute drill....Winner of a Super Bowl, but we all know why he's isn't in. HOF judges will deny it, but we all know the truth. I mean for crying out loud, it was back in the 70's and sports reporters shoud just get over it already.....
Then there's Ray Guy, the man that had "hang time" thought up to identify his booming kicks....The man revolutionized the putting game, and by doing so...put the Raiders position to win many games.....
Jack Tatum, we all know why he isn't already in....and probably never will be...and all because he did his job....Cliff Branch...as good or better than Swann ever thought he was..he also, has 2 Super Bowl rings.
And Lester Hayes....Well there's a reason all teams threw away from his side of the field and one word describes it...SCARD!
Tom Flores..Good player....better manager, and managed 2 Raider Super Bowl...there's not another coach that won 2 Super Bowls, and is eligible that isn't already in....what a rip off.
You could go as far as to add Jim Plunkett to that list.....only QB to have won 2 Super Bowls and "still" isn't in the hall...care to explain that one Selection Committee?
#32
Posted by Dave Wilson, May 10, 2008 7:53 AM
Stabler, Branch, Tatum, and Rauy Guy should all be in there by now! Talk about an anti Raider conspiracy! I think that this is a great thing you are trying to achieve and I' sure the Raider Nation will be behind you 100%
#33
Posted by aar33178, May 10, 2008 8:09 AM
1 Stabler
2 Guy
3 Tatum/ Hayes
Count me in, keep us posted
#34
Posted by SeattleRaider, May 10, 2008 8:46 AM
Ray Guy! He was light years ahead of other players in his position.
#35
Posted by In J-Russ We Trust, May 10, 2008 9:01 AM
i like lester hayes. i see that guy every now and again, but i used see him every other week. and he always says the same thing when he sees me. "hows it going raider fan" or "whats up mr. raider". the guy was awsome and he would still be considered a big corner even by todays standards. looks like another trend started by al davis.
#36
Posted by rebelraider, May 10, 2008 10:53 AM
lil'dizzle it is because your such a pr*ck that everyone points out your faults. Though you are up on Raider players.
How do we pick from a list like this? We all know they shine Silver and Black in their own way. Tough call, I'll go with Ray Guy and then we shall work down from there. God love Jack Tatum though, getting him in there is like :
'Mr. Smith Goes To Washington 21st Century'.
He belongs there, yet the rats running the ship will never let him in. He is in our Silver and Black Hearts and Jack 'The Man' Tatum values that, because he knows the faith of the Raider Nation. You can't buy that. Raider Cool!
#37
Posted by So. Cal. Malosos 13, May 10, 2008 6:17 PM
Jim Plunkett is the most underrated quarterback in the history of the N.F.L Sure we have had alot of great players come and go, but with Plunkett there is so much history and accomplishments. First off, he was the first "minority" quarterback to lead his team to 2 Super Bowl victories. Before there was Doug Williams there was Jim Plunkett. Last year Plunkett was bumped off for Warren Moon,because Moon was the first Black qb in the modern era. For a people who say they want to be treated equal, they seem to want special recognition for being Black. Plunkett and
Coach Tom Flores have never thrown the race issue to gain favor in the H.O.F selection process. Maybe they should take notes from the African American community and hold us hostage to get what they want by throwing the race issue. But unlike their African American counter parts they would rather be recognized by their accomplishments and contributions than by the color of their skin. I tell you that by the mere fact that two Black coaches went to the Super Bowl a couple of years ago, it will ensure their selection into the Hall Of Fame. Before there was Art Shell, Tony Dungy, Lovie Smith and Marvin Lewis there was The Great Tom Flores. I hope that these two Gentlemen get their chance to get enshrined. I believe that the Mexican American community needs our version of Jessie Jackson or Rev. Al Sharpton.
#38
Posted by RaiderKen, May 10, 2008 8:02 PM
I chose Jim Plunket for one simple reason. He called a great game. That's right, he called his plays and new when to strike at the defense. Of course he had a lot of help, but he was/is a football genius.
#39
Posted by WCRaider, May 10, 2008 10:32 PM
They all deserve to be in the Hall of Fame!! Voted for Ray though.
#40
Posted by Mike49er, May 10, 2008 10:48 PM
For what it's worth, why narrow it down to one?
Pick your top FOUR candidates, and mail in or email in all four names. It doesn't matter if you keep it at one, four, or ten. All are reviewed and voted on.
As I'm sure most of you know, after getting in nominations from fans, again via mail or email, The Selection Committee has three seperate voting polls, last one in Oct. eventually reducing the list to 25.
In Nov, after another ballot, it's reduced to 15.
Following that the Seniors Committee (a sub committee of the Selection Committee) then picks out 2 players who played more than 25 years ago, and add those two names to the modern era choices, making the total 17.
Before the SB (day before, I believe) they meet and vote. 80% gets you in. If no one gets 80%, top 4 vote getters are inducted.
So, as previously stated, whether you send in 1 vote for Snake, or 5000 votes for Snake, his name gets writtin down on the list once, along with all the other names that were nominated by fans and whoever.
Might as well send in all those you deem worthy. If nothing else, it gets those on the committee staring at the name, and when you stare at it enough times, year after year, at some point opinions change.
#41
Posted by SilverandBlackaholic, May 11, 2008 10:29 AM
Anyone on the list is better then some who have already slithered their way in... If the ANALysts would be less anal, we would have greater representation from Oakland in the HOF...
The HOF selection commitee is a shame and a disgrace!
#42
Posted by lester37, May 12, 2008 8:15 AM
Lester Hayes. Period. Just ask Steve Largent if he is worthy. Cliff Branch a close second.
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